Pick an exotic fruit, ascribe it magical properties, make it into a juice and turn a profit. Such is the way goji marketers to convince you that goji juice treats all of your most pressing ills, according to the Centers for Science in the Public Interest, or CSPI. Goji juice has nudged its way into the exotic fruit bar, right next to acai berry. However, there is no evidence to suggest that goji juice can treat your health concerns.
Goji Berry Basics
The goji berry, or Lycium chinense, goes by other names, including the wolfberry, Chinese boxthorn and Gou Qi Zi, according to the University of Michigan Health System, or UMHS. Native to China, goji berries have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for some 2,000 years. Traditional and historical uses for the goji berry are for increased immune system function, improved vision and circulation and increased sperm production. Goji is also blended with other herbs and used as an anti-aging tonic, says the UMHS.
Purported Uses
Goji's modern applications as a complementary and alternative medicine are numerous and varied. According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Center Center, goji is used to treat burns and insomnia; reduce nose bleeds, inflammation and irritation of the skin; and prevent and treat certain cancers, as well as enhance the effects of some cancer treatments. Goji juice marketing claims add to the list of these "can dos." Goji juice purportedly improves heart function, enhances memory, reduces morning sickness and treats sexual dysfunction. Goji juice is also marketed for anti-aging, weight loss and overall body "detox."
Goji for Cancer
One of the more compelling tactics marketers use is to claim drinking goji juice can prevent cancer. Mayo Clinic oncologist Timothy Moynihan states that some laboratory studies suggest that goji extracts can have a preventative effect. However, no research has been conducted on human subjects to prove or disprove this theory. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center notes that a study was conducted in China on human subjects that indicated goji extracts can enhance certain cancer treatments; however, this study was observational in nature. To determine if goji is effective for any purpose, more research is needed.
Other Evidence
No scientific evidence or clinical studies support goji as a treatment for aches and pains, burns, cancer, inflammation, skin irritation, nose bleeds or insomnia, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
Goji: The New Acai
According to Moynihan, goji juice may not be a good mix with certain medications for diabetes. However, it contains vitamins and minerals, like most fruit juices, and isn't necessarily unhealthy. But goji juice isn't likely to be your fountain of youth; the CSPI notes that as with acai berry juice, there's no evidence to indicate that people who drink goji juice are any healthier than the rest of the general population. Goji juice can be quite expensive; the CSPI indicates that it's not uncommon for a 900 mL bottle to be priced at $25. Moynihan advises not investing too much money in goji juice as a treatment for what ails you. Drink it if you like the taste and your doctor gives the OK, he says.
Member Comments